Even in the evening he was usually at the shop; but when it so happened that he could remain at home after tea, it was his delight to settle himself comfortably down in the big rocking chair, in the well-lighted sitting-room, and to muse and doze, while Alice sang, and played upon the piano-forte.

He had so many other cares, that he did not like to be troubled with bad reports of his children's conduct, This was so well understood by all the family, that even George seldom ventured to go to him with a complaint.
The management of domestic affairs was thus left almost entirely with Mrs.Preston, and she consulted her husband in regard to these matters only when grave troubles arose.
I have thus briefly introduced to my readers the family, one of whose members is to form the principal subject of the following pages..